No Matter Where You Are, Refuse Boredom!
Do you ever get bored when traveling, or when you’re at home? Except for during some classes in school, I can barely remember the last time I felt bored. If I’m not mistaken, it was in 2008 or earlier this year when I updated my Facebook status. (Hence, I haven’t updated my status since then.)
Someone recently told me, “People who easily get bored have high standards.” Partly true, but I believe that they also don’t make the most of the situation. Not getting bored is not a question of settling for anything. That’s not the case at all. I simply put the responsibility on myself to make sure I never feel bored — at least not for more than a few seconds. If I don’t enjoy something, I either do something/go somewhere else, or (if I am obliged to stay for whatever reason), I’ll make it fun.
Even if you’re stuck on a 7-hour train ride, a 25-hour bus ride, or a long flight, why give into boredom when you can have fun? It’s a mindset.
To give you an example, not too long ago I saw a video on YouTube of a flight attendant who clearly didn’t want to work his shift. Yet, he chose to take matter in his own hands to cheer himself up and started rapping the airline safety precautions. The video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Tribune, but you can see a shorter version below.
Lesson learned: if you do something/are somewhere that makes you feel bored, change the activity/location or change your mindset.
Note: Video first seen at foXnoMad.
Exactly. It’s all about being proactive about one’s situation. Great post.
.-= Lola´s last blog ..Travel Update and Latest Articles =-.
Thanks, Lola. And proactivity beats passiveness any day!
Bored? Who has the time to get bored man! (note the irony!)
.-= Priyank´s last blog ..Linguistic delights of Toronto =-.
I totally hear you! I can’t even remember the last time I was bored. Those empty spaces are just an opportunity to do other stuff!
.-= Richard @ The Bewildered Brit´s last blog ..The Tree in the Clock Tower Roof. A secret history of Greensberg, Indiana =-.
Exactly. Well said!
I totally agree — boredom is often a choice that one can make. But sometimes it’s pretty unavoidable… alone in an airport maybe? haha
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Toby
http://blog.gowaza.com
http://www.gowaza.com
Unavoidable if you’re alone in an airport? Depends on your mindset. There are lots of fun stuff to do in airports. Eavesdrop on conversations, start talking to a stranger in the seat next to you, watch people (where they’re going, what they’re wearing, who they’re with etc), look at the flight board and dream yourself away to foreign destinations, walk around in the tax free shop, have something to eat at a cafe or restaurant, buy a new book/magazine or read one of the free papers you can often find on benches and tables, do some shopping, listen to music, take photos, write in a journal…
I might get bored at home but never when traveling! not even on long bus or train rides!
.-= Adriana´s last blog ..Cyprus? What are you doing there? =-.
Not getting bored even on long bus or train rides, that’s an excellent skill to have!
I’m fairly introverted so most of the things I enjoy doing, reading, writing, programming, etc. are best done during those ‘boring’ plane rides and long trips. I think more people should strive to refuse boredom – we’re all pretty creative and intelligent creatures. Without the right outlets it’s easy to succumb to boredom.
I couldn’t agree more about that people should attempt to refuse boredom. And regardless if you’re an introvert or extrovert, I think there’s no reason to stay bored. Because as long as we get creative about it, there is always something more fun to do than giving in to boredom.